Teacher

Every educator makes a difference. Whether you illustrate subtraction to a 2nd grader or guide two high school students through conflict resolution, your influence will be felt for a lifetime.

• Antioch University
• Central Washington University
• Centralia College
• City University of Seattle*
• Eastern Washington University
• Gonzaga University
• Grays Harbor College
• Heritage University
• Northwest Educational Development
• Northwest University
• Pacific Lutheran University
• Pierce College
• Saint Martin’s University

* Online program available.

Teachers must be certificated in Washington state and hold an endorsement in at least one state-approved teaching area. Learn more about endorsement requirements on OSPI’s website.

Some endorsements require only a test, while others require an approved program and a test.

Test only: Biology, Chemistry, Choral Music, Computer Science, Dance, Earth & Space Science, English Language Arts, General Music, Health/Fitness, History, Instrumental Music, Mathematics, Middle-Level Humanities, Middle-Level Mathematics, Middle-Level Science, Physics, Science, Social Studies, Theater Arts, Visual Arts, and Designated World Languages

Program + Test: Elementary Education, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Reading, English Language Learner, Bilingual, Agriculture, Business & Marketing, Family Consumer Sciences, Technology Education, Library Media, and Traffic Safety

We welcome teachers from other states! Out-of-state teachers applying for a Washington Residency certificate:

• Create an E-Certification account
• Send your transcript by email or mail to OSPI Professional Certification, PO Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504
• Verify your program:
  – Complete form 4020E (verification of college program) or form 4020F-1 (verification of experience outside of Washington)
  – Submit the form with a copy of your out-of-state teaching certificate
  – Endorsements completed after your program should be submitted on form 4020F-1
• Testing: Pass Washington Educator Skills Test Basic (WEST-B) and WEST-E and NES assessments*
• Fingerprinting & Background Check: Contact your local Educational Service District (ESD) to learn about fingerprinting.

* OSPI accepts many out-of-state tests. Submit your results to OSPI for review.

• Military Veterans: If you’re within 3 years of separation, explore the Troops to Teachers program.
• People with experience in business and industry: You may qualify to teach Career & Technical Education (CTE).
• High school students: Check out the Recruiting Washington Teachers (RWT) program.

More Alternative Routes

• Are you a paraeducator with an associates degree? – Explore “Route 1”
• Are you a paraeducator with bachelor’s degree? – Explore “Route 2”
• Do you have a bachelor’s degree, but are not currently employed by a school or district? – Explore “Route 3”
• Are you an emergency substitute or on a conditional certificate? – Explore “Route 4”

• Starting salary: $36,521
• Top of pay scale: $68,836
• Average salary: $53,738 (2016)

• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Flexible spending account

* Pay and benefits are bargained at the local level and vary from district to district.